Syl Manlove, MBA, LPC, LAC

Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Licensed Professional Counselor 
Licensed Addiction Counselor

Syl Manlove is a seasoned healthcare executive and licensed behavioral health professional with over 12 years of leadership experience in rural and urban Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and hospital settings. With a strong foundation in clinical mental health counseling and healthcare management, she has successfully led multidisciplinary teams, directed complex healthcare operations, and delivered compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse and underserved populations.

Syl holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University, an MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Colorado Denver, and an MPA in Program Management from Arizona State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Colorado, with licensure pending in New Mexico.

Throughout her career, Syl has held executive roles including CEO, COO, and Executive Director, overseeing integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services across multiple facilities. She has led strategic initiatives, quality improvement programs, and compliance efforts with HRSA, The Joint Commission, and PCMH standards. In addition to her administrative expertise, she has four years of direct clinical experience providing counseling services to youth and adults in integrated care settings.

Syl is passionate about mission-driven healthcare and committed to improving access and outcomes for high-risk and underserved communities. Her leadership is marked by a collaborative, systems-oriented approach that bridges clinical excellence with operational efficiency.

Jesse Berkowitz, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker 

Jesse Berkowitz is a Behavioral Health Therapist who recently moved back to his hometown of Silver City after living in Texas for many years. Jesse received his Master of Social Work degree from Western New Mexico University and has a passion for providing low-barrier, community-based behavioral health services. Jesse has spent the last few years in Austin, Texas, working on an integrated treatment team providing behavioral health support to individuals who are unhoused or exiting incarceration and experiencing challenges related to serious mental illness and substance misuse.

Through his experiences providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to people with complex needs, Jesse has learned to consider how every element in an individual’s environment can have an effect on mental health. Jesse approaches therapy from a whole-person point of view and focuses on supporting individuals by helping them to explore personal values, utilize existing strengths, and reconnect with what is truly important to them. Jesse specializes in a variety of cognitive behavioral approaches and works to empower his clients to commit to making lasting changes that move them toward what they deeply care about.

Melissa Palmer, LPCC

Director of Behavioral Health Specialty Programs
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Melissa Palmer is the Director of Behavioral Health Specialty Programs at HMS, which includes Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) and New Beginnings Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) programs. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1995, and from Western New Mexico University with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling in 1997. She has been working as a Licensed Counselor in Silver City since 2001, and has worked in Community Behavioral Health Centers since 2004 through transitions of different agencies to Hidalgo Medical Services in 2015, and has been supervising the Comprehensive Community Support Services program in Silver City since 2012.

Melissa started her career working with children and adolescents utilizing play and art therapy, and has specialized in trauma treatment with clients of all ages throughout her career. She has been facilitating a weekly Seeking Safety therapy group focusing on improving management of substance use disorders and trauma symptoms since 2019.

Melissa feels that the most rewarding part of her job is when clients benefit from learning how to manage behavioral health symptoms and stressors in positive ways, leading them to establish beneficial daily living practices, develop healthy relationships, and ultimately meet their individual recovery goals to lead satisfying and fulfilling lives. She believes there is always hope if people are determined and engaged in services provided by a team of caring professionals working together to help them manage all aspects of their health and well-being. Melissa enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and playing with her dogs in her spare time.

Ana R. Dolores, M.A., M.S

Psychology Intern

Ana R. Dolores is a psychology intern at Hidalgo Medical Services. As a bilingual (Spanish English), bicultural clinician originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, Ana brings a culturally responsive lens to her work. She has provided clinical services in both languages across various settings, including community mental health clinics, and integrated health centers.

Ana offers individual therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and family systems interventions. She is passionate about working with second-generation Mexican American young adults as they navigate cultural identity, family expectations, and life transitions. Ana believes in meeting clients where they are with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration to support their growth at their own pace. As part of her training, Ana has also conducted psychological evaluations to support diagnostic clarity and personal insight.

Her research focuses on the psychological and spiritual development of Mexican American emerging adults, with particular interest in the integration of faith and psychology, generational trauma, and multicultural identity. She explores how family systems interventions can help bridge the gap between clients’ personal values and their family values, promoting greater connection and understanding across generations.

Ana is currently a fourth-year doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she also earned her Master of Arts in Psychology. She previously completed a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling at California State University, Fresno. Her background includes working with Spanish-speaking families, youth, and adults in underserved communities, with a deep commitment to providing culturally and spiritually informed care.

Johnny Flores, CCSS

Community Support Worker

Johnny Flores is a Community Support Worker in the Behavioral Health department. He assists and supports participants in applying for and maintaining resources, such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, TANF, SSI/SSDI, and supportive housing.

Byron H. García, M.S.

Psychology Intern

Byron García is a doctoral intern at Hidalgo Medical Services and a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Arizona State University. He is also a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Florida International University and an M.S. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Utah State University.

Byron’s clinical and research interests focus on the intersection of parenting, culture, and self-regulation in shaping risk and resilience among ethnically diverse youth and families. His training includes providing therapy and assessment services in community mental health clinics, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, and integrated care settings. He is particularly passionate about supporting individuals affected by trauma, substance use, and behavioral challenges.

His therapeutic approach blends culturally responsive care with evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and behavioral training. Byron works from a strengths-based, person-centered perspective—meeting clients where they are, helping them reconnect with their core values, and guiding them toward meaningful change through committed action.

A native Spanish speaker born in Managua, Nicaragua and raised in Miami, Byron is deeply committed to advancing culturally grounded mental health practices, especially in underserved communities. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, fishing, making music, singing karaoke, and staying active through sports and fitness.

Gentry Gilpin, CPSW

Behavioral Health Peer Support Worker 

Gentry is a Certified Peer Support Worker based out of Silver City. He has worked with HMS for three years, both in Care Coordination and Substance Use Recovery. He specializes in mental health support, using his experience with his own mental health issues to provide a positive example of recovery. He aspires to advance his career to help youths and young adults deal with their own mental health issues. He is a Silver City native and has lived and worked here through his whole life. He likes to volunteer to deliver food to seniors in the community, and enjoys tabletop games, driving, and spending time with family and friends. I joined HMS to contribute to the well-being of our community. It is my hope to make a difference in the lives of our clients to the best of my ability. I would like to foster a sense of community and social change with everyone I encounter.

Sarah Haan, PMHNP-BC

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Sarah is a board-certified psychiatric behavioral health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), who has been in practice since 2016. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University Rochester, Michigan and graduated with honors from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan where she received her Master’s degree in nursing. Sarah is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive behavioral health services to her patients 18 and up.

Sarah possesses strong clinical skills and believes in building authentic therapeutic relationships with clients by becoming familiar with their life experiences, challenges and goals then works through assessment diagnosis, treatment, and education to promote wellbeing

She follows evidence-based guidelines, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Sarah’s role is multifaceted, including being an educator, behavioral health advocate, providing counseling, with a variety of holistic and pharmacologic approaches. As clinical faculty, Sarah values interdisciplinary collaboration and will readily refer out to ensure treated the whole person.

Hidalgo Medical Services for Behavioral Health is a bit of a homecoming for Sarah, who returns to a full-service outpatient setting after two years of serving patients as a silo behavioral health provider in a primary care environment. Sarah is always advocating for her patients, and innovations in healthcare. Sarah belongs to Sigma Theta Tau a global organization for the field of nursing and as a member of IPSM (International Society of Psychiatric Behavioral health Nurses) currently serving on the DEI committee (Diversity, equity and inclusion). Locally, She enjoys serving her community from volunteering at the Tour of Gila to active board member at El Refugio. After spending two years in Central America, Sarah has dedicated her career to working in underserved areas and loves to work on improving her Spanish

When Sarah is not working she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and relaxing with friends.

Shyenne Hussey, CCSS

Community Support Worker

Bio coming soon.

Gretchen Lopez 

Social Work Student 

Bio coming soon.

Cameron Meyer, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker

Cameron Meyer, Behavioral Health Therapist, is originally from Tucson, AZ, and is new to the Silver City area. He fell in love with this area when visiting as a boy and then later as a young man. Cameron and his son chose Silver City because they love the wilderness and especially the community, which has welcomed them with open arms. Cameron states that the same feeling of welcome and community has been given to him by HMS, and he is honored to work with this organization, helping to bring excellent care to the wonderful residents of this area.

Cameron received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in both degrees. He has a special passion for working with survivors of trauma and considers it a privilege to work with all clients, from kiddos to elders and everyone in between. Cameron takes an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing top-down (cognitive) approaches with bottom-up (somatic) approaches. His training and experience have also taught him the importance of taking a whole-person and ecological approach to therapy.

When not having the honor of working with members of the community, you might find Cameron out in the wilderness hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, or simply poking around listening to Nature. Or you may find him with his partner and their children being silly and playing in the grass at any given park or The University.

Anita Parada, PhD, LP, CBIS

Neuropsychologist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Dr. Anita Parada, PhD is a Neuropsychologist licensed in New Mexico and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. She was born and raised in Poland. During her education and career, she lived in several countries in Europe and North America. Yet, she fell in love with New Mexico/green chili, moved here with her family, and has joined the HMS to serve her neighbors.

Dr. Parada obtained her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in neuropsychology from the University of Warsaw, a postgraduate degree in psychotherapy from the Jagiellonian University in Cracow and completed postdoctoral training in advanced rehabilitation research on mild traumatic brain injury. Before joining HMS, she had worked for five years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso.

During her career, Dr. Parada has worked in academic and clinical settings, doing research, teaching, performing neuropsychological evaluations, and as a psychotherapist. She has worked with the military, veterans, first responders, people who experienced violence, and athletes with brain and psychological trauma or brain disorders treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems.

Dr. Parada integrates various assessments, therapies, and neurorehabilitation in her approach, including behavioral and non-invasive brain stimulation and strong collaboration with other health providers and the community. She believes every person is a unique compilation of body and spirit, a dynamic result of biology, individual, family, human history, and environmental challenges and opportunities.

Shelly Verma, PMHNP-BC, MD

Director of Crisis Services
Board-Certified Psychiatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner 

Shelly Verma is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and trained medical doctor with a strong foundation in patient-centered mental health care. With a diverse clinical background spanning psychiatry, substance use treatment, and integrative medicine, she brings a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health services.

Shelly earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health from Florida International University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of Silesia in Poland and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida.

Her professional experience includes roles at La Clinica De Familia in New Mexico, Sierra Vista Hospital, and Mind Springs Health in Colorado, where she provided comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and coordinated care for individuals with complex mental health and substance use disorders. She is certified in advanced treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Ketamine Infusion Therapy, and has extensive experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use recovery.

Shelly is licensed to practice in multiple states including New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, and Maryland. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in numerous accolades, including being named Medical Student of the Year and receiving the First Place Award for a quality improvement project at Silesia Medical University.

Beyond her clinical work, Shelly has contributed to research in biochemical and cardiovascular health, and has a long-standing dedication to community service through organizations such as Special Olympics, La Ventana de los Cielos, and Al-Muin Community Wellness Center.

Anna Yniguez, LMHC

Behavioral Health Counselor

Anna Yniguez graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2021 with a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling. She completed her internship with the Family Counseling Center on the campus of Western New Mexico University between January 2020 and May 2021, where she gained experience working with children and their families. Anna’s experience and training includes a person-centered approach, non-directive play, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She primarily serves clients with anxiety, depression, and adjustment reactions of childhood and adolescence. She enjoys working with children of all ages, and has a passion for supporting survivors of trauma. Anna discovered her interest in counseling while providing emotional support for her friends, family, and peers through various trials of their lives.

Anna has lived in the Silver City area for most of her life. She appreciates this community for its natural beauty, four gentle seasons, and the compassion of strangers. Anna has been married to the love of her life for twelve years and together they have two beautiful children.

Neal Bowen, PhD

Clinical Psychologist
Doctor of Psychology

Neal A. Bowen, PhD – has over two decades of experience as a clinician, administrator, and leader in the behavioral healthcare field. He currently works as the Principal for Alba ConsulCng, LLC – collaborating with several national consulting firms and with several direct clients.

Prior to this, he was appointed by the Governor to direct the Behavioral Health Services Division in New Mexico (2019-2023), which is the Single State Authority for both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder services in the state. In this position, he guided the Division through a more than 100% increase in funding for the publicly funded system, including obtaining Congressionally Directed Funding for innovative programs designed to increase access to the Behavioral Healthcare system for under-represented groups across the state. He also guided the BH response to the COVID pandemic while serving on the Emergency Response Function 6 and Medical Advisory Team for the Governor. His efforts included rapid and sustained adjustments to the telehealth system that saw New Mexico maintain the availability of BH services throughout the Public Health Emergency, and an innovative program delivering BH support to New Mexicans in need of emergency housing because of COVID. He also guided the publicly funded system to more than double the number of behavioral health professionals delivering services, and a more than 100% increase in the number of encounters delivered statewide.

Dr. Bowen earned a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin following over a decade working in the field of protection of Human Rights in war zones. His studies in psychology were inspired by a Dutch psychologist he met while working amid two simultaneous civil wars on the island nation of Sri Lanka.

While working towards his doctorate he founded the Sunrise Center in Austin, which provided mental health services to refugees and asylum seekers.

Following obtaining his PhD, he initially worked as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Central Washington University (2002-2005), specializing in the treatment of psychological trauma and multicultural counseling.

From there he was recruited to develop the Mental Health Department at Hidalgo Medical Services (2005-2019), a Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Rural and Frontier Southwest Corner of New Mexico. He worked in the C-Suite there, as Chief Mental Health Officer, and successfully guided the growth of the Department from a single part-time Social Worker to over 34 practitioners delivering evidence-based services in an integrated primary care environment, including the first licensed Crisis Triage Center in the State.

He has served on many Boards, including the Washington Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (Vice President), New Mexico Counseling Association, New Mexico Primary Care Association, New Mexico Behavioral Health Provider Association, the New Mexico Finance Authority, the New Mexico Housing Strategy Advisory Council for the Mortgage Finance Authority, as well as the Pain Management of Overdose Prevention Council, among many others.

Patricia Hamilton, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Patti graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2000 with a Master in Social Work and from Park University in 1983 with Bachelors in Social Psychology. She most recently worked at Gila Regional Medical Services as the psychotherapist in the Behavior Health Unit after retirement as a Child Protective Supervisor with New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in 2016. Patti has worked with a diverse population of clients since 1990: foster and adopted children and their families, trauma survivors, the homeless, chemical dependent individuals, LGBTQ, former incarcerated individuals and individuals diagnosed with DSM-5 diagnoses both inpatient and outpatient. Her practice is based on a Strength-Based Approach focusing on individuals’ self-determination and strength within their systems, specifically seeing clients and families as resourceful and resilient when in adverse conditions. Patti was born and raised in rural East Tennessee. Patti is married to Tim, also a Social Worker and has 2 daughters, 3 stepdaughters and 1 stepson who have given her wonderful grandchildren.

Simon Laine, DNP, APRN-CNP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Simon Laine joined Hidalgo Medical Services in September 2023 as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Simon earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Florida International University. He is also a foreign-educated physician from Haiti. Simon has completed rotations in the ICU, ER, and Pediatrics department at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He did his internship in the inpatient and outpatient mental health unit at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Simon has worked at different community health centers in South Florida providing medical and mental health services. Simon is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Creole. Simon enjoys playing basketball and soccer with his two sons. He is excited to work with Hidalgo Medical Services to continue to provide behavioral health services to the underserved community of New Mexico

Dani Maier, DNP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Dani Maier is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She has been in practice since 2013, after earning a Master’s in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University. In 2020, Dani earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from New Mexico State University. From 2013-2017, Dani worked in person for HMS at several locations. In 2017, she moved home to Portland, Oregon, and has continued to work with patients via telehealth. She values her ongoing relationship with patients, local providers, and community members in Grant and Hidalgo counties. Dani has three young sons, who take up most of her time outside of work. When she has free time, she likes to garden, hike, play sports, and be outside.

Reynald Omega, MLP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Reynald Omega has a unique background and expertise in both primary care and mental health. He started his career as a foreign physician in his home country, where he provided primary care services for over five years. However, he faced challenges in obtaining a medical license in the USA, so he decided to pursue a different path. He enrolled in a Master of Science in Nursing program at Florida International University and became an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). He then completed an internship at an integrated clinic in Fort Lauderdale, where he saw the need for a more holistic approach to health care that addresses both physical and mental aspects. This motivated him to further his education and obtain a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification from the same university. Reynald Omega has been working as a dual-certified nurse practitioner for eight years now, serving various populations and settings. He has worked in substance abuse centers, correctional health, mental community centers, and long-term care facilities. He is passionate about providing quality care to his patients and improving their well-being

Susan Russo, LPCC

Behavioral Health Therapist

Susan Russo is a L.P.C.C. and graduated from Webster University with a Master Degree in Counseling. Susan has twenty years of experience in the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Field with experience including: Program and Clinical Director; Clinical Supervisor; Intake Coordination; Crisis Response Coordination; and Utilization Management and Quality Assurance. Susan’s direct care experience includes but is not limited to Crisis/Suicide assessment/intervention; Diagnosis and treatment of multicultural and SED adults; adolescents and children presenting with dual diagnosis; chemical dependency; anger management; grief and loss; and verbal, physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse and trauma.